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First the good news. France did also take the most treacherous path to the final of Euro 2016 and, having seemingly got a hand on the trophy by dismantling Germany in the semi-final, froze horribly when it mattered most against a more limited Portuguese side. Now the bad news. The top half of the World Cup draw really was best avoided by England and, should they progress against Croatia on Wednesday night to a first final in 52 years, the awaiting challenge will be of a different magnitude to any team they have yet faced. “Finals have to be won because we have not got over what happened two years ago,” admitted manager Didier Deschamps. “It was so painful that we now really want to taste the victory.”

Such baggage could conceivably inhibit his team but they are significantly better side now and the 1-0 scoreline here against Belgium, who have so far been next best in the tournament, was deceptively comprehensive. France had quietly demonstrated that it is possible to control a match even without the ball and, with Deschamps now 90 minutes from becoming only the third person to win a World Cup both as a player and manager, they will start Sunday’s final as clear favourites.

“I am here to write a new page, the most beautiful page – you can’t live in the rear-view mirror,” said the France manager. That might be true, but this was still a stride towards personal vindication for Deschamps who, following such scepticism about his work at the start of the tournament, out-manoeuvred Roberto Martínez more decisively than the Belgium coach would admit. Martínez repeatedly pointed here to fine margins, and how the teams were separated by only a headed set-piece goal from Samuel Umtiti, but there was much more to it.

First, of course, Kylian Mbappé. Having terrified Belgium with his searing pace, he delivered the sort of sublime second-half moment of skill that is destined to make the cut in thousands of YouTube montages. To split an opposition defence with a back-heel was one thing. To do it after the sort of drag-back of which Zinedine Zidane himself would have be proud was something else. It was further confirmation of how Mbappé continues to impart the greatest teenage influence on a World Cup since Pele in 1958.

Asked about the possibility of winning the Ballon d’Or, Mbappé also delivered an admirably dismissive response. “I couldn’t care about that,” he said. “I want to win the World Cup. I want to sleep with it.”

With France president Emmanuel Macron in attendance, many other equally important French qualities were evident. Raphaël Varane has matured hugely at centre-back and was a formidable presence in negating Romelu Lukaku.

N’golo Kanté, as ever, was superb in shielding the defence and Paul Pogba, described by Deschamps as “a monster”, was everywhere. In Hugo Lloris, France also have perhaps the best goalkeeper in the tournament. The only real concern – and it is a significant one – was the sight of midfielder Blaise Matuidi looking disorientated towards the end following a heavy collision with Eden Hazard. He was assessed, allowed to continue, but then substituted. If a concussion is suspected, Fifa’s protocol says that he must not play in Sunday’s final.

It had earlier taken literally five seconds for Belgium to experience what must have been their worst fear. Mbappé collected the ball straight from kick-off and was soon surging past Jan Vertonghen down the wing. The early warning was clear. Tactical tweaks by Martínez had involved bringing Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele into the midfield and, for 20 minutes, it worked quite well. Twice Hazard had early sights of goals, only for his closest effort to be deflected up onto the crossbar off the top of Varane’s head. Fellaini then brilliantly controlled a corner into the path of Toby Alderweireld, whose shot on the turn forced Lloris into a vital full-length diving save.

The possession statistics were heavily in Belgium’s favour but, with Lloris, Varane and Kanté so imposing, France seldom looked seriously troubled. Right back Benjamin Pavard also started to exploit the space behind Hazard and, after brilliant build-up play by Antoine Griezmann and especially Mbappé, was released one-on-one with Courtois, only for his finish to glance wide off the outside of the Chelsea goalkeeper’s shin.

There was then another excellent chance following a further interchange between Griezmann and Mbappé, only for Giroud to fluff the chance of a first shot of the entire tournament. France were now creating the best chances and their 51st minute lead was absolutely merited. Griezmann, whose understanding with Mbappé is improving by the day, was also testing Belgium with his dead-ball delivery and a simple near-post corner was attacked by Umtiti. Fellaini possessed all the physical advantages but Umtiti had the momentum and, although his glancing header did also brush off the Manchester United midfielder, Courtois was helpless.

France were ahead but did not then sit back and what followed was breathtaking. Having again linked superbly with Griezmann, Mbappé dragged the ball back with the underside of his boot before splitting open Belgium’s defence with a back-heel while facing the opposite goal. Yes, you did read that right. The problem was that Giroud did not quite read and hesitated sufficiently for Nacer Chadli to prevent one of the goals of the tournament.

No matter. Belgium were beaten for the first time in 25 matches and any team with Mbappé, Lloris, Varane, Pogba and Kanté will now take some stopping.

xG tells a story too

xG map for #FRA-#BEL. Roberto Martinez tried his darnedest to open up the match, but France held firm, defended and defended and defended, and broke off just enough attacks for a solid win. pic.twitter.com/84HczC18Vn

The shooting stats

The third placed play-off

Roberto Martinez says

"I think unfortunately for us the difference was a dead ball situation, a set play. It was very close, very tight and it was going to be decided by the one that could find that final touch in the box or in front of goal. I thought the attitude of the players was outstanding. Given everything always until the last second, always pushing.

"Disappointment is the only thing that matters. We wanted to get in the final, the players showed incredible focus but we are going to look forward to the next game and make sure we finish the tournament on a real high."

FULL TIME!!!

90 mins+6 - France 1 Belgium 0

I think Vertonghen might take the defeat if it means he gets to smash Mbappe into the upper tier of the stand at the moment. Suddenly, Tolisso is in! This is huge... he must score... but his shot is saved by Courtois. Another incredible save by the Belgium keeper.

90 mins+5 - France 1 Belgium 0

Ohhhhh that's a big chance! Griezmann, somehow, has a chance to shoot but Courtois does really well to save low. And then France have another chance to counter! It's three vs three but Mbappe's pass is poor and Tolisso can't do anything with it.

And then Mbappe is fouled by Vertonghen. Yellow card and a stupid free-kick to give away.

90 mins+3 - France 1 Belgium 0

Mbappe and Griezmann stands over the free-kick, Mbappe tries a bit of skill and De Bruyne chips down the line but the linesman says it's out. Mbappe tries to hold the ball in the corner, then dribbles away with it from the corner... and Belgium don't like it! Witsel comes over and shoves him to the floor. Yellow card for Mbappe. Damn teenagers with your Gameboys.

90 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

The free-kick is chipped in, headed across goal... but nobody can reach it! N'Zonzi clears.

And then seconds later De Bruyne plays a wonderpass into Lukaku, who tries to head the ball despite it being a yard ahead of him and taking it down on the foot far easier. Chance gone. De Bruyne throws his hands in the air, and it is not because he just does not care. He cares very much.

88 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

Mbappe tries to dribble instead of clearing or passing and puts France in trouble. Hazard runs inside with the ball, Kante tracks him like a limpet hanging on and brings down Hazard. Kante then goes and lays into Mbappe for not getting the ball up the pitch. You just can't try things in the last five minutes of a World Cup semi-final in your own defensive third.

79 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

France focusing all their play down Mbappe on the right, Belgium putting all their eggs in the Chadli/Mertens to Fellaini basket. It's not a great basket.

Now then, do Belgium have anything else? Hazard bursts away from Pogba, plays a one-two and then goes down. Everyone stops playing but the referee doesn't care. Hazard gets up slowly and is absolutely fine. He can't believe there's no foul.

76 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

Credit:
GETTY IMAGES

This strategy is working perfectly at the moment. France sit with everyone in the defensive third and wait to get a loose ball, ping it to Mbappe then move up the pitch. Belgium have to foul them if they lose the ball or risk being hit on the counter.

Still the attacks come down the right side, Fellaini waits at the back post to try and attack any crosses that come his way.

De Bruyne launches a shot over the bar from 20 yards. He's just off balance as he hits it.

74 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

72 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

Mertens crosses from wide right and it's a great ball but Fellaini is blocked and half-heartedly asks whether that might have been a foul. The referee doesn't care, Belgium keep hooking crosses into the box.

Alderweireld is booked for preventing Matuidi going past him on the counter-attack.

Pogba has been excellent tonight and has spent most of his time marking attackers out of the game.

70 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

Mertens trips Griezmann and spoils an attacking move for Belgium. France are in control of this, Belgium haven't offered anything in this second half to suggest they know how to get past the low block. France are basically playing like Atletico Madrid.

68 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

Fellaini is playing as the 10 for Belgium now. De Bruyne is being taken off the ball far too easily - as he has been all tournament from these deeper positions - and France pounce! Griezmann takes the ball down, waits for Giroud to join... and he shoots over the bar.

62 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

Martinez has been reading the liveblog and has decided to take Dembele off and put Mertens on. That'll be a change of shape to... something. Surely he hasn't put De Bruyne deeper? He has. De Bruyne is now playing in a deep midfield position where he can't really influence play, despite running the show against Brazil.

60 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

Belgium really need to improve on this. I really don't understand the praise Martinez has been getting for his tactical decisions. He made one big one, which was changing the shape for the Brazil game having seen his original idea not work very well against a pub team and Tunisia. Then he didn't make any changes while leading and almost threw the game away. Here, Belgium are struggling to create chances to score. Still, nothing changes.

58 mins - France 1 Belgium 0

Great chance to attack! France launch the counter-attack, Mbappe leads the charge down the right and crosses low to Matuidi... but his shot is blocked. France keep up the pressure and then OH MY LORD what a bit of skill that is! Mbappe does a little double drag back, flicked backheel pass to put Giroud clean through on goal. It's astonishing skill but Giroud's effort is blocked.

51 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

De Bruyne is absolutely rapid when he tries to win the ball back. The man in possession has absolutely no time to think and if he had a little more support while doing it you'd think France will be in a lot of trouble at some point.

France come down the left, the pass is made inside and Giroud spins on the spot, beats Kompany... but his shot is then deflected behind for a corner. Great play Giroud.

49 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

Belgium are switching play much more quickly in this half to shift the France defence around. Witsel whips a cross to the six yard box, Lukaku is there but heads over. At least he's had service - Lukaku has hardly touched the ball all night.

Belgium are definitely looking for Chadli more and then trying to work crosses towards Fellaini and Lukaku. Pogba is sticking with Fellaini the whole time.

47 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

Alderweireld never seems too sure on the ball when he brings it forward but an attempted pass into Chadli on the right is intercepted and De Bruyne sparks to life! He chases, is quick and forces a couple of hurried tackles which result in a throw. France win the ball back and move up the pitch.

KICK OFF 2

The pundits reckon there will be goals soon

Based on their being lots of attacking talent on the pitch, all three of the BBC's experts have predicted that we'll some goals. I'm not so sure... neither team appears willing to commit too many players forward. France especially are staying cautious and trying to counter-attack. I'd be really happy to be wrong.

Some stats

HALF TIME

De Bruyne whips a cross in, Umtiti gets his interception all wrong and Lukaku doesn't anticipate it. You can't blame him. And that's the whistle!

It's been really fun to watch. Both teams extremely wary of each other, neither able to carve out any clear scoring chances, though Pavard's is probably the closest anyone's come yet. One goal could settle this one.

42 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

40 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

Kante reads a Dembele pass before he's even made it and starts a counter-attack. France get to Belgium's box but Griezmann's shot is closed down and blocked. But now Mbappe is on the edge of the box and disguises a pass inside to Pavard! He's one on one with the goalkeeper! COURTOIS SAVES! Brilliant from the goalkeeper!

38 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

Great move by France! they fire quick one-touch passes to beat the press and Griezmann sprints forward! Matuidi runs ahead of him but Griezmann doesn't play the pass early enough and then decides to shoot. He drags it wide.

36 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

Dembele gives the ball away and then does his classic Spurs move of ensuring the person who profits from that is stopped quickly. Griezmann gets a free-kick and in classic Spurs style, Dembele isn't booked. He's really clever with those. Never pulls the shirt, just does enough to stop you running.

34 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

France attack, Griezmann can't find Giroud with a cross but then has a chance to shoot soon after and smashes over from 20 yards on his right foot.

Kante carries the ball about 50 yards but his pass to Giroud is poor. Never mind, France win it back straight away, a chipped pass over the top plays in Mbappe, who crosses and Giroud doesn't time his finish well and gets the connection all wrong.

32 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

It goes short to Pavard - DISGUISE! - and he hits a cross into the area. Giroud has to dive towards his own goal, away from Belgium's, to meet it and his header is headed towards the top corner! Just wide. Great effort.

Hazard comes down the left, rides two definite fouls and then shows the kind of skill that makes you stand to your feet while typing a liveblog because it's so good. Quick feet, close control at high speed. God he's good. Goal kick.

30 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

28 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

Credit:
GETTY IMAGES

France drop deep as Belgium have the ball, Mbappe tries to dribble his way out but gives possession away and this could cost France! De Bruyne is wide left, hits a low cross into the area and if it wasn't for Umtiti's clearance, Lukaku was in! Great defending.

22 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

De Bruyne curls in another cross from wide left and Varane deals with it, throwing himself at the header to put it behind for a corner. Belgium are in control of this game at the moment.

WHAT A SAVE BY LLORIS! Brilliant! The corner is sent in, lands at the feet of Lloris' Spurs teammate Alderweireld and he he shoots with power towards the top corner. Lloris sees it late but dives and claws it away with his top hand.

14 mins - France 0 Belgium 0

That is absolutely brilliant from Pogba. Chadli gives a pass away, Griezmann lays it off and Pogba completely bins Dembele with a stepover and shift of balance, burns to the halfway line and then sends Mbappe away with a through-ball. He's quick and he might make this... he has! Mbappe is behind the last man but Courtois comes off his line and smothers before Mbappe can reach it.

KICK OFF

The starting lineups one more time

National anthems

France have definitely "won" this. Thierry Henry doesn't know what to do with himself, president Macron looks on from the stands. I don't think he'll have him beheaded if France lose... but I'm just saying let's not rule that out.

Kylian Mbappe

The France captain, Hugo Lloris, can see similarities with how Mbappe and also his Tottenham team-mate, and England's captain, Harry Kane have a mentality that allows them to remain unaffected by what can now be frenzied attention. “Kylian’s been the same old person, he stays true to himself, he smiles, he’s relaxed,” said Lloris. “He has a bright future ahead but he is also very aware that, when the opportunity knocks on the door, you must seize it. The entire world saw him shine against Argentina. He’s ready.”

Where is tonight's game?

Inside the dressing room

Deschamps looking to keep things tight tonight

1 - Blaise Matuidi attempted (61) & completed the most passes (55) in the last encounter between France 🇫🇷 & Belgium 🇧🇪 in June 2015 (3-3). He also made the most recoveries among the French players (8). Charo. #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/u8cN2ZN0JC

The inclusion of Matuidi tonight suggests Deschamps is fairly concerned about the team he has to play. France are only ever a 4-3-3 against Strong opponents (capital S on purpose) and usually lineup in a 4-2-3-1. Griezmann is incredibly effective as a 10 but finds himself shunted out onto the left wing as a result of this tactical switch. Belgium can therefore afford to be a little more offensive if France are planning on making things slow and muddy in midfield and defence then relying on the counter-attack.

Fans are enjoying themselves

Happy World Cup semi-final day!

Hello! Good evening and welcome to our liveblog for what promises to be an unpredictable, exciting mega game!

In the blue corner we have France, previous winners of the trophy and with a squad blessed with pace, skill, cunning and managed by a determined, dogged ball-winner of a manager.

Opposite in the red zone is Belgium, international no-ones but with a first team featuring some of the very best players in each position in the entire world, managed by a confusing, ambitious tactics-fan of a coach.

Who will win? I have absolutely no idea. You could tell me any score and I'd believe it. 1-0. 4-3. 2-2. All of them seem believable.

France have youth on their side but Didier Deschamps does his best to keep them organised and won't let them run wild and free. Kylian Mbappe is the standout but N'Golo Kante is probably their most important player. Eden Hazard admitted earlier in the week that playing with Kante on form gives you a 95 per cent of winning the match.

Paul Pogba hasn't really turned up yet, Antoine Griezmann hasn't shown what he's capable of either and Olivier Giroud, it turns out, does a whole lot more for the team than a lot of people ever seemed to notice.

Belgium are interesting. They haven't played well except for the previous match in which Martinez tweaked his system ever so slightly to more of a back four, dropped Carrasco and Mertens and discovered that by pushing De Bruyne - perhaps one of the best four players in the world - into advanced positions, he was quite good at football. NOBODY SAW IT COMING.

The teams will be in soon (probably about six) and we can start working out the approach both managers will take tonight from there. Until then, stay with us for all the build-up a soccer fan could ask for.